Pediatric Resource Management Julie Dawning Pediatric Resource Manager Brain Injury Association of Washington May 3,

Today you will learn about… The Brain Injury Association of Washington The Washington TBI Resource Center –The Washington TBI Resource Line –Statewide Adult and Pediatric Resource Management –The Pediatric Resource Management Program Outreach Activities Exciting and Upcoming –Pediatric Brain Injury Support Groups –The Walk, Run & Roll 2

The Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA) Proud to be 30! Starting in 1982, with mostly volunteer based support groups and resource line Now in 2012, 14 professionals with expanded statewide in-person services 3 Prevention Support Education Advocacy

Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center WA TBI Resource Line: –Statewide Toll Free Line –9am-5pm M-F –115 Calls Per Week –6,000 Calls Per Year Offering Support, Information & Referrals to individuals through out the state affected by brain injury or interested in learning about brain injury 4

Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center In-person Resource Management for adults and pediatric clients with brain injury, their families and caregivers Covering over 90% of the area where reported TBI occurs 5

Pediatric Resource Management began in 2011, as a pilot project of the Brain Injury Association of Washington in collaboration with Harborview Department of Pediatrics and Seattle Children’s Rehabilitation Services Made possible through donations to the BIAWA and support from the Boeing Employee Community Fund 6 Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center

Examples of PRM Services Assistance with planning and teaming –Helping families identify their areas of need Next step planning and follow through Medical follow up, Rehabilitation Financial, Legal Educational, Pre-vocational Adjustment to the disability Community reintegration Behavioral, Social relationships –Helping families identify professionals who can help Our database has over 1100 resources (and adding) and if we don’t find what you need there, we search for it –Helping teams communicate Attending team meetings Making sure releases of information are on file as necessary 7

Examples of PRM Services Assisting with navigating the medical system –Families frequently are discharged without understanding What treatment was provided in hospital When they should next see the doctor What red flags to watch for What after-care they should give their child, including rehabilitation –Non-English speaking families, even if given an interpreter at the hospital, have a harder time getting their questions answered –Resource Managers may assist with communication by attending appointments, collecting records and making calls 8

Examples of PRM Services Accessing public assistance and financial aids –Helping families apply for DDD, SSI, food stamps, etc. Collecting educational and medical records Helping non-English speaking families with the process –Finding temporary financial aid for housing, utilities, etc. –Connecting families to free medical transportation, air/bus –Encouraging families to request charity care, payment plans –Setting up school supports like free and reduced breakfast and lunch, School Bell, special activity funding, etc. –Referring the family to a lawyer 9

Examples of PRM Services Assistance with reintegration into school –Advocating for physical and cognitive rest for concussions and mild brain injuries The brain requires more energy than usual to heal The brain is less efficient in parsing out energy to the areas that are being used Energy previously devoted to cognitive tasks may be now used for screening senses and planning motor tasks Therefore, a healing brain tires more easily Follow doctor’s orders for gradual return to school and play The extent of rest required can be monitored by noting symptoms such as fatigue and headaches 10

Examples of PRM Services –Obtaining a 504 Plan The 504 Plan is based on provisions in Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act (1973) In a school setting, a 504 Plan assures an individual with a disability equal opportunity to access and benefit from the educational program Contact and meet with the 504 Plan Coordinator prior to return to school Create a plan that allows safe access and educational benefit while honoring the healing process 11

Examples of PRM Services –Some 504 Plan Ideas Classroom accommodations –Shortened day –Shortened assignments –Alternate testing formats –Sunglasses or billed cap –Early passing time –Alternate lunch environment –Preferential seating Services of specialists –School nurse –School counselor –OT, PT, SLP –Para-educator –Special Education transportation –Evacuation plan 12

Examples of PRM Services –Obtaining Special Education Special Education is based on the Federal law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) and the corresponding State laws The qualifying disability (TBI) must result in the student needing additional or different services to participate in and benefit from school The document that outlines services is an Individual Education Plan (IEP) The goal of Special Education is to prepare the student for further education, employment and independent living –1) Make a referral in writing; include 504 referral –2) 25 school days to decide to evaluate –3) Parent signs consent form –4) 35 school days to evaluate 13

Examples of PRM Services –Assisting with social skills and behavioral issues Special Education is designed to address all areas of disability This includes social/emotional/behavioral issues –School counselors can assist by preparing classmates for the return of a student with a brain injury –Some schools offer social skills curriculums taught in the classroom and practiced in small group settings –Other options: lunch buddies, mentors, alternative roles on sports teams »Church and community groups –If social/emotional/behavioral issues are getting in the way of the student’s benefiting from their education, they may receive Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in this area 14

Examples of PRM Services –Assisting with social skills and behavioral issues For students with serious social/emotional/behavioral issues: –Consultation with district behavioral specialists and specialists in brain injury –Placement at specialty schools designed to support their specific needs Services available in the community –Individual and family counseling –Wrap around services –Professional social skills groups –Specialty camps 15

Examples of PRM Services –The importance of a Neuropsychological Evaluation or Discharge Report from a Rehabilitation Department If an inpatient Rehabilitation Department has instructors, they may have already assessed the student and created recommendations for return to school Make sure these specialists are part of the team If no recommendations from specialists in TBI are available, request that the school district pay for an Independent Evaluation by a neuropsychologist familiar with brain injury 16

To improve PRM services, if you have something to share… Personal examples of unmet needs Names of professionals who helped you Contact Julie at:

Outreach Activities To increase public awareness and knowledge about brain injury, BIAWA: Participates in Conferences and other Community Events Provides trainings Website, Facebook, Twitter, Billboards, Radio 18

Exciting and Upcoming Pediatric Brain Injury Support Groups In collaboration with HeadStrong and Seattle Children’s Hospital Parent/caregiver group for sharing, learning and support Child/youth group for fun social activities 19

Exciting and Upcoming The Walk, Run & Roll Magnuson Park, July 29, 2012, 8:00 AM Register on-line or pick up a pamphlet at the BIAWA booth 20

Contacts Washington TBI Resource Center Brain Injury Association of Washington Julie Dawning Pediatric Resource Manager

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